Egypt and Uruguay goalless at halftime

Egypt, starting without key striker Mohamed Salah and Uruguay, whose own star forward Luis Suarez looked way short of form and fitness, were goalless at halftime in their World Cup Group A opener on Friday.

Salah, battling to overcome a shoulder injury, was among the substitutes with Egypt perhaps saving their talisman for future games against Russia and Saudi Arabia following the hosts' 5-0 win in the opening game on Thursday.

Suarez had the best chance of a low-intensity half but dragged a close-range shot into the side-netting as a disappointing Uruguay struggled to live up to their billing as group favourites.